A principal investigator or co-principal investigator is an individual designated by the University and approved by the sponsoring agency to direct a project funded by an external sponsor. Principal investigators are responsible for conducting their projects in accordance with the terms and conditions of the sponsoring agency and the policies of the University, including providing the proper stewardship of sponsored funds, submitting technical reports and deliverables, and properly disclosing all inventions to the Associate Vice President of Research, in accordance with federal policy or contractual terms. The chair and dean (or appropriate director) of the relevant unit must approve each proposal for an externally sponsored program by signing the Proposal Submission form, and, by doing so, are indicating their approval for the PI to undertake the project. If awarded, the internal “Agreement for Externally Funded Projects” must be signed by the lead PI, all co-PIs, and the fiscal agent (if different).
Lead Principal Investigators (PIs) of externally funded projects are normally required to be full-time continuing faculty or staff members. In certain instances, upon justification and approval of the relevant chair, dean, or director, it may be appropriate for a non-continuous faculty and/or staff person, or emeritus faculty, to be the lead principal investigator on a project. Approval must be granted at both the submission stage, by signing the Proposal Submission form, and at the award stage, through signatures on the Research and Sponsored Programs “Agreement for Externally Funded Projects.”
Generally, graduate students, postdocs, and visiting faculty do not serve as lead principal investigators on an externally funded project, but may be listed as a co-principal investigator with approval of the relevant dean, chair, or director.